ILOILO CITY – Police have reported a decline in the number of suicide cases in Iloilo.
The Iloilo police Investigation and Detective Management Unit recorded only six suicide cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 16.
Police Col. Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said this is more than three times lower than the 19 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Gorero attributed the decline to the Pag-Ulikid desks set up in police stations in the 42 towns and component city of Passi. These desks facilitate intervention for those who are in need – whether moral, psychological, or spiritual support.
“We hope that the trend continues. We were disturbed by the 92 suicide cases last year, and we need to work together not to repeat it this year,” Gorero said.
The Investigation and Detective Management Unit said majority of the six victims suffered from a form of depression prior to taking their lives.
By age group, four of the victims were in their late 50s, one was a minor, and one was in the early 20s.